Just bought 2019 Z71... stance & tire size seems odd

[2591tdj]

I’ve run only Michelin LTX AT2s on my last 2 Z-71s and have been totally pleased with them. They’re not real aggressive. They do okay in mud and snow, give a good highway ride and each set has lasted at least 60k miles. I’ve mostly run the P series (1,150 load cap.). The LT series has a little higher load rating and deeper tread, I believe.

Tire preferences are like anything else. Everyone has their own favorite and can give you their pros and cons.

 

[shock]

For sure everyone certainly has preferences--I hear that.

I had the Michelin LTX AT2s in load range E on my 2015 Silverado Z71. My 2019 Silverado non-Z71 (Z85?) has Goodyear Wrangler highway-flavor-something-or-other in load range E. I def liked the LTX AT2 much better than these Wrangler things. The Wranglers feel like I'm driving on Fred Flintstone stone wheels. My only complaint about the LTX AT2s was taking off from a stop on anything wet--just water felt like I was on ice, requiring 4WD to pull out in traffic during rain. Once on the tiniest bit of icy pavement with the LTX AT2, I let off the brake in gear with no throttle and the truck didn't move. I looked back and the wheels were turning with the truck sitting in place.

I'll probably go to LTX M/S2 tires on the Silverado as I tend to use it more on the highway. And given that, I was hoping to go with something a little more offroad and snow worthy for the Tahoe.

I feel like there are 1000 options on the Tahoe and they all give me hesitation one way or another.

 

[STORMIN08]

in all, the E load, D load isnt all that important...you CAN get high weight rating D load tires. the E or D typically is quick indicator of side wall construction. if you USE it offroad, go with a D allowing more flex, more cushion and the ability to air down and get a better foot print.

 

[shock]

Agreed... makes sense.

It seems all things are leading me to 275/65/18 Duratracs.

I know load index and load range aren't the EXACT same measure. But it seems this is the loose correlation indicated on tiresize.com's inflation calculator:
C = 110-113
D = 114-117
E = 120-123

The OEMs are load index 114. Tirebuyer.com recommends various tires ranging from 112-116 (though they don't sell Duratracs from what I see). There is a Duratrac load index C/113 option and a D/116 option. Tirerack.com chat originally recommended the D/116 option but I hadn't even seen the C/113 at that point in time.

Any thoughts on C/113 vs D/116?

(I understand there could be an effect on load carrying capacities when going to a lower load index, but I can't imagine any scenario where moving from the OEM 114 to 113 would be any sort of limiter in my use of this vehicle. I would use my Silverado with load range E for any moderate to heavy hauling/towing.)

 

[STORMIN08]

personally, i would avoid the C-113, the c rating in my opinion if for the lighter crossover, truck market, not the 1/2 ton and up platforms.

go with a D load index and if needed, a lower psi gives better ride with out the sidewall wiggle

remember, the C,D E, F rating is also a decent indicator of plys for construction

 

[akbrener]

275/65/18 duratracs (32.25") and a 2" Rough Country front level and MOOG HD rear springs. I got a great deal on the take-offs, duratracs are way more tire than needed and will probably go with a decent AT when these ever wear off ( 18/32" brand new). Also the duratracs seem to have a narrow tread patch compared to the 275/55/20s I have on my 2008 tahoe.